Director Manufacturing Lead

Director Manufacturing Lead

Lonza

Visp, Switzerland

We are looking to recruit a Manufacturing Lead (Director) to build up the operations organization for the Payload-Linker capacity expansion in Visp. Leads a team of  production leaders, supervisors and specialists You will manage the operational readiness and provide leadership to the CQ-project team incl. the post OQ Start-up within the investment/Capex Project. After becoming operational, you will oversee the operational activities of the manufacturing unit with overall responsibility of manufacturing execution regarding safety, quality and on-time-in full delivery, as well as for the performance and results of the assigned area including cost control.

What you will do:

• Lead a team of production managers (chemists/chemical engineers), supervisors, and specialists, with full responsibility for all aspects of people management, including qualification, development, coaching, hiring, compensation decisions, and performance or conduct issues.
• Manage the operational readiness within the CAPEX project and provide leadership to the CQ-project team incl. the post OQ Start-up.
• Accountable for executing all production campaigns in the manufacturing unit, ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and environmental requirements.
• Maintain oversight of production costs and provide POV forecasts for all campaigns within the area of responsibility. Contribute to budgeting and the preparation of product cost calculations for standard pricing.
• As a member of the Functional Leadership Team, support overall production management, including housekeeping, team conduct, training activities, and general operational controls.
• Serve as an operational specialist and regular point of contact for BU team members on production planning (S&OP), technical assessments, and feasibility requests.
• Responsible for routine performance monitoring, including weekly reports, dashboards, Hoshin boards, and other reporting tools.

What we are looking for:

• Advanced degree (Master’s, PhD, or equivalent) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with strong self-motivation, integrity, perseverance, and results orientation.
• Extensive experience in chemical manufacturing in the pharmaceutical industry, in leadership roles.
• Strong knowledge of GMP and EHS requirements.
• Fluency in English, German is an advantage.
• Experience with Operational Excellence/LEAN principles is an advantage.